Análise descritiva do consumo de psicofármacos no Brasil: cenários antes e durante a pandemia da COVID-19

Abstract

A scenario of uncertainties, such as the one caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, can favor the onset of mental disorders, increasing the rates of anxiety, depression and insomnia, and consequently, growing the consumption of psychotropic drugs. In connection with this, this study seeks to evaluate the use of psychoactive substances during the pandemic. The methodology used consisted of creating a database from the information available on Portal Brasileiro de Dados Abertos. Benzodiazepines, antidepressants and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics were included in the research. Then, the graphs were plotted and analyzed, being confronted with the existing literature. The results show an increase in consumption of all selected classes before the pandemic and during 2020. However, in 2021, there is a drop in these numbers, possibly due to the ineffectiveness of the SNGPC and the lack of access to medication and mental health services. From this perspective, it is essential to carry out more in-depth analyzes that support the creation of public health policies to promote not only the rational use of these drugs, but also access to these substances.